HospitalInspections.org

Based on review of facility documentation, Emergency Department (ED) logs, and staff interview (EMP), it was determined the facility failed to provide a medical screening examination to a patient that presented to the Emergency Department.

Findings include:

Review on January 8, 2025, of facility policy, "Hospital Treatment and Transfer of Individuals Who Request Emergency Medical Services (EMTALA)", last reviewed January 2025, revealed "Policy: It is the policy of St. Joseph Regional Health Network (the "Hospital") that if an individual comes to the Emergency Department (as defined below): The Hospital will provide an appropriate medical screening examination within the capability of the Hospital's dedicated emergency department, including ancillary services routinely available to the dedicated emergency department, to determine whether or not an emergency medical condition exists. The examination will be conducted by an individual(s) determined qualified by Hospital Bylaws or rules and regulations; and ... Procedure: 1. The Hospital may follow reasonable registration processes for an individual for whom examination or treatment is required, including asking whether an individual is insured and, if so, what that insurance is, as long as that inquiry does not delay screening or treatment. Reasonable registration processes may not unduly discourage an individual from remaining for further evaluation.

Review of facility documents on January 8, 2025, revealed the patient presented to the Emergency Department on December 3, 2024. The patient was not registered, and a medical exam was not completed.

Review of facility document on January 8, 2025, revealed EMP3 advised patient to go to Urgent care to avoid the long wait time in facility ED.

Interview with EMP3 on January 8, 2025, confirmed information from facility document is accurate and complete.

Interview with EMP1 on January 8, 2025, confirmed facility policy was not followed.